Working sheepdogs. Sheepdogs

The area at the far end of the field , where the sheep are is know as the LETOUT (for obvious reasons). This is where each group of three sheep is released onto the field when the Judge raises his flag. The sheep must be released in a calm manner and encouraged to move quietly away from the let-out fence. This is to give the dog plenty of room to move around behind the sheep on the CAST. When the sheep are correctly positioned the Judge lowers his flag, the bell rings and the trial has begun.